Can 2014 Dodge Journey Tow More Than 1,000 lbs Safely

Published 08/09/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(142)

$205.86

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(216)

$70.89

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(37)

$65.02

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6105)

$10.14

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$88.93

Question:

I have a dodge journey 2014 GCWR is 6000lb Max GTW 1000lb. Max tongue 100lb I wanna install a hitch but my understanding is that i can pull maximum a 1000lb trailer? i mean if the trailer full is 1000lb is the maximum that i can pull? Im asking because is weird that i can move a trailer with more that that weight with my hands, why the car cant do it? also online they recommend a 4000lb hitch for my car, but why 4.000 if the manual said 1000 max if im understanding correctly, thanks!

asked by: Cesar

Expert Reply:

If the owner's manual for your 2014 Dodge Journey has your max trailer towing listed at 1,000 lbs then I don't advise going over that because that's what Dodge has tested and approved for your vehicle. If you do tow more than that and something is damaged you would most likely be voiding your warranty.

For towing equipment I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame # 75648 because it has a great look on your vehicle plus it includes a welded-on tab so you can use a bracket like part # 18144 to hold your 4-Way wiring connector.

I recommend using Tekonsha wiring as it has higher amp ratings and we have found the Tekonsha wiring to be the most reliable. For LED lights use T-One # 118536 but if you don't have LED lights then use T-One # 118567.

To complete a towing setup you also need a ball mount kit. I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900 because it includes two ball mounts, one with a 3/4” rise/2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise/4” drop, a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You will want to refer to the attached ball mount article to ensure that this kit is correct for your towing application.

I have attached some installation videos for you to checkout.

expert reply by: Jon G

click to enlarge

Cesar

8/9/2019

Jon G.

8/9/2019

It is true that the max you can pull (trailer weight-wise) with your Dodge Journey is 1,000 lbs. I know it sounds a little weird because you can pull more by hand than your Journey can but there are a few other factors that play into this. For example, Dodge accounts for passengers and cargo in your vehicle plus the length of time that you are towing that weight. The capacity they have given is basically just the most amount of weight that they can say without a doubt is safe for your vehicle to pull. The trailer hitch weight rating is an entirely different thing in and of itself. Trailer hitch manufacturers make sure that the brackets fit up against the vehicle for a custom fit and then they test the strength of the trailer hitch alone, without it being installed on the vehicle. Since you are limited by your least rated component you won't be able to safely tow more than 1,000 lbs with your Journey even with the trailer hitch having a 4,000 lb weight capacity.